Over packing for Hawaii. ETA reduced a bit.... - YouLookFab Forum

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Over packing for Hawaii. ETA reduced a bit....

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Well, the day has finally come... for me to start stressing about what to clothes to take (or rather, not to take) to Hawaii. Tough problem to have, huh.

I have been thinking about it for a while, and playing on Stylebook. This is what I've come up with. I know it's too much, but am finding it really hard to know what to cut back. But maybe I don't need to!

We are a gear family. I will be taking a normal backpack on the plane, and for lugging around. Hope to do a lot of hiking, snorkeling, diving, that type of thing. No aspirations for looking fashionable when hiking! But I do want to look decent going out for dinner, or into town, etc.

We are going for two weeks. One week in Kona, then over to Hilo for four days, plus a day in Honolulu at the end. Thirteen days of warm weather. We will have laundry facilities on day 8 or 9.

I have:
Daytime casual: 6 tanks, two sport tops, 4 casual tees, 3 sporty or casual bottoms. Want to be prepared for heat, and sweating, so may only get one day out of each top. (and you know what will really happen is I'll live in my bathing suit and wear two of these )
Daytime "nice" - for shopping, visiting the Arizona, that type of thing: skirt, nice shorts, 4-5 nicer tanks or tees, 3 dresses
Evening: same 3 dresses, same skirt, 2 dressy tanks, 2 capris, silky track pants, 2 cardigans, long sleeved linen top, linen sweater

Might also bring the pleather black shorts (a la Jackie) if they arrive in time and fit.

Will also have 2 bathing suits for hanging out, one for serious swimming, short and long sleeved sunshirt, coverup.

Shoes: hiking shoes, keen sandals, nice sandals, wedges, flip flops

And a scarf.

And will also have a rain coat, hoodie, and down jacket. The down jacket will be used for travel, but can be used for the high altitude valcano trips.
Travelling: the silky trackpants, cardigan, a tee, hiking shoes, down jacket (which will probably go into a suitcase once we get to the airport)

Below are what I'm thinking.
1. Tops, cardigans, sweaters
2. Bottoms, shoes, dresses.
3. Some of the combinations.

So... does this look ridiculous? If so, what do you suggest I cut out?

Photo #4... my reduced attempt.

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Dressing

27 replies

Latest reply was from

Carla

Veteran

Oh! That looks like a lot of clothes. Have you done a trial pack? You *are* right about living in your bathing suit. My experience from warm weather vacations is that so much time is spent in a bathing suit, and there is constant showering, that clothes don't really get that dirty-or even sweaty/smelly since they are only worn for a couple hours or half a day at the most.

Have you checked to see if the place you are staying has a washer/dryer? I have been surprised by how often warm weather vacation spots provide easy access to laundry facilities, and it isn't a big deal to run a quick load.

You might want to consider accounting for a souvenir t-shirt as well. If I recall correctly, Suz's Banff souvenir T became a surprise workhorses!

Below is a capsule for 10 days in Turks and Caicos 2 years ago.

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Sadie

Another consideration: you are staying in 3 places which means packing and unpacking several times. With a lot of clothes this can be time consuming. I have had great luck washing some things in the sink (I bring a 3 oz container of Woolite). Roll them in a towel to get rid of excess moisture then hang to dry- most dry overnight. I tend to steer away from thick cotton tops because those don't dry quickly.

carter

Veteran

I say this with all the empathy of a fellow over-packer: That's a lot of clothes. I would cut way back on tops, both for daily wear and for "going to town" wear. As Sadie mentions, I had great success with washing tops and undies in the hotel sink in Europe last year. I ended up packing 16 clothing items, plus my travel outfit. I still came home with clothes that hadn't been worn.

ETA: the trip was 16 days with no access to laundry

Elizabeth P

Veteran

I know, it does look like a lot doesn't it. I just like to pack for every weather eventuality, you know? I always overpack. I have no aspirations to be an ecomomical packer on this trip, but I don't want to be ridiculous.

I'll be back....

Anonymous

I've been to Hawaii numerous times including to Hilo, Kona and the volcano area. The weather in Hawaii is usually temperate, not too hot, but it can be rainy, particularly in the Hilo area. The boat trip to the Arizona is wet as well. Being nearer the equator, lots of sun exposure around Kona and Honolulu. Have hiked in Hawaii - you'll definitely need good traction shoes around the volcano region and any trails that you might want to take. It gets chilly, but probably more jacket level chilly. Definitely a relaxed tropical vibe in Hawaii, so might want to consider that per choices as well and I think the big island tends to have a more relaxed laid back feel. Like your choices, perhaps just a smaller number if that works for you. I did find short sleeves better than sleeveless for sun protection and I think jeans near the volcano area are a good idea. Enjoy!

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

I've only been to Hawaii once (Kauai) so I can't add much, but I agree with Runcarla (and her ensemble pic) that it may be helpful to pare down a bit. I love your attention to detail and the desire to be ready for anything. I overpacked on my first trip to Europe and I keep refining with each travel opportunity. Have fun when you go.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Especially with access to laundry halfway through, I'd cut this back a fair bit. Maybe 7-10 outfits total, and three pairs of shoes. I think you could wear a lot of the same things for daytime nice and evening - in my experience Hawaii is never that dressed up and with a jacket or shawl you'll be fine for keeping warm in the evenings, without needing sweaters.

I tend to plan packing by thinking about what the main activity for each day will be, making those outfits, adding a couple of specialty outfits (in your case maybe hiking, or nice for going out to dinner), and then reducing the total percentage of items by something like a quarter.

rachylou

Veteran

I traveled the back roads of China (i.e., meaning no roads) for a month wearing basically one skirt, a couple of tees, one cover-up button down, a sweater, a jacket, and two pairs of mary jane walking shoes (one of which would do for a dressier affair, along with a necklace). I also had a pair of seersucker pants and maybe a cardigan. I bought an ankle-length apron wrap dress and short sleeved blouse (which was something the locals wore) (and which, come to think, I should dig out).

Of course, I wear patent leather shoes where others wear hiking boots. But I think if you meet me in the middle here, you'd have a fine vacation wardrobe for Hawaii. Lol.

How hot will it be when you go?

Anonymous

I found that Hawaii is one place where dark colors can feel all wrong, especially black. I'd suggest trading most of your black for white. As far as how much to take, how much do you want to have to lug around, pack and unpack? Can you get by with your hoodie and raincoat and maybe a long sleeved tee and leave the down jacket at home?

WitchyD

I'm a chronic over-packer myself, and I think this looks like a bit much for tropical Hawaii. I'm thinking you won't need the wedges or extra sandals (shoes are heavy and take up a lot of room!). 1 pair Hikers or sneakers + 1 flat shoe or sandal + 1 pair flip-flops. I also would only take 1 sweater and/or light jacket, not both rain coat/hoodie and down jacket. I know you want that for travel, but I don't think you need all of it, just layer up.

While I like black, I think Joy may be right about dark colors being wrong. Maybe khaki or white is a better choice?

The TravelSmith blog has some good packing advice for destinations: http://www.travelsmith.com/tra.....hten-load/

Anonymous

Just wanted to say I agree with Joy and Witchy D per the colors. I would go with some light bottoms if possible too. Light colors generally would work well. I would also switch out the wedges for flats. For the island of Hawaii, snorkeling would probably be from a boat or inlets, there aren't too many beaches there, but lots of grassland and lava flow areas. I'd say you could easily half the wardrobe. I'm looking out at a couple of feet of snow and wish I was heading there!

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Thanks ladies! Great advice. Esp on the laid backness of the place - I've pulled out quite a bit, in particular the dressier evening pieces. And will now go and pull out some more.

I was wondering about all the black myself... but it's so EASY! Maybe I'll trade the black dress for a colourful one - that will still go with the two cardigans I'll take. I'll also rethink all my black bottoms. My sporty shorts are all black, but I can certainly lighten up the other bottoms.

Just to clarify, the down jacket I'd take is one of those thin liner ones, that fold up into it's own pocket. Not a big one.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Does this look better? I still think I have too many bottoms, but I do want 3 bottoms to wear daily (comfortable things for driving and hiking), and a couple of "nicer" bottoms, plus some longer pants in case it's chilly. It adds up.

I can also swap out my thin down jacket for a thin down vest...

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CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I was just in Hawaii in January (a cruise, so I only had to unpack once). Very casual! Swimsuits, cover-ups, sneakers, flip flops and shorts are the order of the day. Bring cute things for evening but even then, super casual attire is fine. I'm going to be a spanner here and say it's ok to pack lots of tops. Tops and tees, if they are lightweight, don't take up a lot of room, and having a fresh top to wear each day or twice a day even, helped me feel fresh. My most worn items were: baseball hat, sneakers, shorts, swimsuit, wind/rain jacket.

Hope that helps.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Your revised quantity looks more manageable. As for black -- I packed plenty of black and white, but wore that color scheme more on the ship in our formal dining room than on the shore days. I did find it helpful to stick to a few neutrals plus one accent color. Mine were: neutrals - black, light gray, navy, white. Accent - coral. White acts as an accent color as well as a neutral. My clothes coordinated really well and I discovered new combinations just by having this limited color scheme.

In terms of cooler temps, this is going to be when you reach high altitudes on the volcanoes. So I don't see an issue with the lightweight down jacket as that might feel really cozy on the plane trip too.

I trust you do have a wind/rain jacket as that would be important for when you are on the volcanoes (wind, cool temps) as well as the rain.

I like your comfortable shoe selection especially the teva types, I really missed having those.

If you aren't at altitude in Hawaii, I was struck by how little variety there is between day and night temps. I live in a dry climate where this time of year it might reach 70 during the day but night it's 40. Even in peak Summer it's not unusual to have a 30 degree difference between night and day. Whereas in Hawaii, it was 10 degrees. Daytime high 72, nighttime 62. Plus you've got a nice 7 am to 7 pm equatorial daylight thing happening.

I absolutely loved my trip to Hawaii and can't wait to go again!

I don't know if you remember, but a year ago we had a challenge chain and I think you were mine in the sequence, and I invented a "you won a trip to Hawaii" theme. Well, that actually planted a seed in my head and I brought up how nice it would be to go to Hawaii again and it all snowballed into a fantasy vacation! So how cool is it that you are now also going to Hawaii!

AM

Veteran

Have a wonderful time. Looks like you are getting good suggestions. I'm a terrible packer but I constantly wish I packed less. Again, have a wonderful time!

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I just posted my extensive packing plan for a two week trip (also warm weather but very conservative destination). I too have a lot of pieces, tops especially, but didn't show them all because I have not mastered photo taking in Style Book.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Thanks for all that additional info Denise. I absolutely DO remember that challenge chain, in fact when I did it was about the time we were firming up our plans to go. So it was timely for me, and I'm so glad it planted a seed for another trip for you! Unfortunately that capsule wasn't really based on my reality for a trip. Nor was it as long :). A few pieces are the same though!

In terms of a colour scheme, as you can see I don't really have one. Because my bottoms are mainly black or white, I think I'll be okay with lots of variety of colour in my tops. I really can't get away from black bottoms, it's what my favourite travel/techy clothes are. I am trying to include quite a bit of dark pink, and no red, as my casual shoes, plus a cardigan, are that colour.

Yes, we have light raincoats/windbreakers. Been warned about that one a few times!

And yes, I fully expect to cone back saying "I could have taken less" :). But I'd rather that than what happened in Mexico a couple of years ago, when the evenings were cool and we hadn't expected that at all. The only pants we had were what we travelled in and needed to travel back in (girls were 6 and 8 so not the best at keeping clothes clean, esp when eating) and we might have had one casual hoodie each, as our only long sleeves. Way too casual for most of our evening outfits!

I'm getting there. You all have ben super helpful, thank you.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

I'll have to go check your thread out Ummlila.

fuzzylogic

Veteran

Giggle-it's easy to over-pack when you are excited! I also understand about difficulties interpreting weather conditions (20C where I live is crisp but in Hawaii it is humid!). Your holiday sounds like a lot of fun! Stay safe & have fun!

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I'm quite impressed that a few of your fantasy trip pieces made it into the real capsule! I just thought of something else. Those Teva style sandals, are they also the kind you can wear in the water? Because there is lava rock everywhere in Hawaii, even in the geologically older islands like Maui and Kauai. I wished I had had water sandals.

catgirl

Veteran

I am heading to Hawaii too, on Tuesday! We used to live there and go every year. I am taking the following (and we will have laundry at times, total of 10 days, just me and DS):

Four tees, three pairs of shorts, one skirt, one dress, Converse sneakers, flip flops, two swimsuits, beach coverup, light jacket to go with everything, hoodie to wear on plane and in A/C, PJs. And probably linen pants on the plane.

I don't worry about rain gear although in Hilo that will be needed. We will be spending most of the days at the beach and doing 11 year old activities, as well as time with friends and possibly a nice restaurant. My idea of a beach vacation is living in the most casual wear possible so keep that in mind. I have never needed more than I've brought on these trips, honestly.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Denise, yes, those sandals are closed toe water sandals... Keen's. We all have them - I insist my girls wear sandals like this in the summer, as we spend a lot of time jumping and running around on rocks. We are also taking water shoes, so we can actually swim with footwear on if necessary - the sandals are too bulky for that.

Una, that sounds like such a lovely list. If we had access to laundry, I'd be doing a lot less as well. But we won't until day 9. I don't mind washing out some things in the sink, but would rather play :). And given we're a family of four... packing too light quickly adds up to a LOT of laundry.

And speaking of playing, do you have any suggestions for 11 year old activities in the Kona area?

Question for those of you who suggested pants or jeans for the volcano area. Why? I've seen this on websites as well. Is it cool? Protection from prickly plants? Protection from legs scraping on rocks? Just wanting to know how "tough" pants should be. Jeans are so heavy/bulky, so I'm wondering if lightweight gear hiking pants would work.

jackiec

Veteran

I'm so glad you've reduced your capsule, Elizabeth! I tend to over pack too, but at first glance thought you were planning to bring too much. Personally, I always err on the side of too many "dressier" type clothes for dinner and then only wear one or two things. It really depends where you stay. At more posh resorts sure you need lots of dresses for dinner, but otherwise forget it. As others said, it's so so casual. Especially Kona. Can't speak to the volcano thing. Crazy that we didn't go but we were travelling with friends and had a million young kids between us who weren't interested :o. Have a great time!!!!

PS if the pleather crops arrive on time, I'm thinking they might just be too hot for Hawaii! :(. Your call.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Thanks Jackie. I tend to wear dresses a lot in the summer, as I find them so comfortable, so I'm likely to throw one on for an afternoon of whatever, or for dinner, regardless of what everyone else is doing. Esp if it's humid, which it sounds like it is (forecast temps are 28 with humidex 36) I'm glad it's casual - getting my girls to dress up is like pulling teeth! And good to know the shorts won't work - I can finalize things. I was leaning toward leaving them anyway... apparently I have enough black bottoms

Suz

(website)

Veteran

This is timely for me as I am also trip planning. My destination is not as hot so my problems are a bit different. But I'm glad you weeded things down a bit. It looks as if you will be well set now for the trip, and I hope you have a fabulous time. Heaven knows anyone who lives in your part of the world richly deserves it!!

Speaking of which, PEOPLE. That down sweater is freakin' NECESSARY. This woman lives in the land of 8 foot snowdrifts and pelting frozen rain. No, she will not wear it after she gets on the plane, but it is unbelievably wintery in our world right now and "layering up" is not going to cut it. (Said by one who is perplexed about what she is going to wear to travel to the plane....)

Anonymous

Re: the jeans around the volcano region. It depends on what you do and where you go. But if you go anywhere near where there might be active lava, or the lava fields, it can flow, sputter up and splatter and you want to make sure that you have things on that are protective - heavier shoes, socks and jeans.

For activities, one thing you might consider is a whale watching tour - they have those out of Kona.